Event Calendar

Thorlaksmessa

Þorláksmessa (Icelandic pronunciation is an Icelandic holiday celebrated on December 23. It is a celebration in honor of Þorlákur Þórhallsson, bishop of Skálholt, who was canonized and recognized as the patron saint of Iceland in 1984, centuries after his death on December 23, 1193. In modern times, Þorláksmessa has become part of Christmas: on the 23rd, many people finish decorating their houses and the Christmas tree, and buy Christmas presents. On Þorláksmessa evening in Reykjavík, many go out and stroll down Laugavegur.